Govt seeks voting help - Electronic Voter Registration (EVR) System

The Government has written to all the diplomatic missions in the country, seeking their help with financial contributions towards the electronic voter registration (EVR) system for the 2014 general elections.
This was revealed to the Fiji Sun by the Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.


Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the Government had briefed all diplomatic corps and other agencies in the country last September regarding the flaws of the 2006 elections, which had been identified by the European Union.
He said they had received a number of applications from various companies who had shown interest in providing Fiji with the electronic voter registration equipment.


“Two days before the Christmas holidays, we called in all the diplomatic corps and other agencies again and gave them a thorough presentation of all companies applied and told them about the one preferred by us,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
He further revealed that the vendor which the Fijian Government has deemed most suitable has 20 years of experience in electronic voter registration internationally


“Few days ago, we wrote to all the diplomatic corps and asked them if they wished to contribute financially towards the EVR. We have given them 14 days to respond to the letter,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
Close to $6 million has been already allocated for in the 2012 budget to start the electronic voter registration process.
In terms of how much has been asked from each diplomatic corps, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said, it was an open letter and the Government would now wait for their response.


Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the total cost of the entire process would be determined after final consultations.
“The company has given us an indicative cost of the entire process but the actual cost will be determined after final consultation with the preferred vendor.”


More details about the company and the costs involved will be revealed soon.
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Electronic Voting Makes it Easy to Weigh in On Elections

Voting is a very important practice that is used for a variety of reasons. When most people think of voting elections come to mind. In order to vote in the United States people are required to possess the voter’s registration card. This particular card allows individuals to vote in a specific area in their state.
The voting process can be performed when an individual is away from their home state. However, the person will have to submit an absentee ballot in order to participate in the voting process. Sometimes these absentee ballots can be miscounted resulting in errors.

In an effort to avoid additional issues with ballots, the concept of e-voting was introduced. Understanding e-voting is necessary for anyone that is an active participant in the voting process. E-voting allows people to select various candidates electronically.

This differs greatly from the paper ballot system where individuals select particular candidates as noted on a piece of paper. Individuals that participate in the e-voting process are able to clearly select their preferred candidates quickly and efficiently.

Voting electronically helps people to avoid making unintentional errors in their selection process. There are a number of states that utilize e-voting. These states have taken steps to help educate the public above the e-voting process. Understanding e-voting is important for people in states that utilize this voting method.

In states where e-voting is practiced, there are usually voting assistants on hand at voter registration sites. Since there are some individuals that are not as technologically and electronically well informed as others, these assistants stand nearby ready to assist those individuals that encounter issues casting their vote through an e-voting machine.

Before a local election day, many jurisdictions send out pamphlets, post flyers and update their web sites with information about the e-voting process. This is to help individuals familiarize themselves with the new machines. Understanding e-voting allows people  to effectively participate in the election process.

Fijians and Visitors! Make it a must to fly the Nation Bula Carrier!

Air Pacific will almost double its flights to Sydney come January 15

The airline will fly 13 times a week with both morning and afternoon departures from Nadi every day except Monday.

The national carrier says with flexible departure and arrival times - passengers will now be able to enjoy same day connections from Nadi to outer islands.

And on its service to Hong Kong, the airline will be upgrading its service from mid-January, using its B747-400 jumbo aircraft - to fly twice a week.

The Monday service will be discontinued.

Air Pacific says the 22 per cent increase in seats to and from Hong Kong will undoubtedly have a positive effect on Fiji's tourism industry.

Fiji PM - Well Done! (Vinaka Vaka Levu)

The Public Emergency Regulations is now no longer in effect.

The PER has been removed by government in what it says is part of moves towards democracy.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says the PER has been lifted so that public consultations on the new Constitution can start next month.

The Public Emergency Regulations was imposed in April 2009 - following the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution.

It prohibited public processions, meetings or assembly including political gatherings without a permit, put the media under strict censorship and gave police and the military extended powers.

In his address yesterday - Bainimarama urged all Fijians to be careful of individuals who might want to take advantage of the lifting of the PER.

"Know that those who seek to destabilize society only do so to serve their own interets. They do not serve you. Also know that we will not tolerate an iota of disruption to the peace, safety and stability and common citizenship we now enjoy."

Bainimarama says the PER was initially implemented to bring about stability - as under past governments - corrption prevailed, the economy was mismanaged and society was rife with political uncertainty.

He adds - the implementation of the PER has seen an overall decrease in the crime rate.

Lift sanctions, council urges Australia, No bullies please, says Fiji Club

The Australia Fiji Business Council has asked the Australian government to acknowledge the steps taken by its Fijian counterpart in lifting the Public Emergency Regulations.

And the council has asked the Australian government to make some adjustments to the travel sanctions imposed on Fijians.

Council president Greg Pawson made the call yesterday while welcoming the lifting of the PER on 07 January.

Pawson welcomed the announcements by Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama on the lifting of the PER.

“This is a positive first step in moving Fiji in the right direction of normalcy but there remains much more to be done to reassure potential foreign investors including ensuring legal rights of redress,” he said.

He said lifting of the PER would provide an opportunity to move forward.

Pawson said the Australian government had previously said that the lifting of the PER would, with some other steps, assist in moving bilateral relations onto a more normal footing.

“The council now calls on the Australian government to acknowledge this step by the Fiji government and make some adjustment to the travel sanctions on Fiji citizens to reduce the difficult impact they are creating for business and on families.”

Pawson also called on the two governments to restore their respective diplomatic missions to full operating status

Meanwhile, true democracy will enable Fiji to be a true sovereign country protecting its own natural territories, resources, interests and not be controlled, ruled, threatened or bullied by foreign governments.

And true democracy will enable Fijians to govern themselves, says the Fiji Club of New Zealand president, Alton Shameem.

Shameem said the Fijian government continued to display good governance by lifting the Public Emergency Regulations from tomorrow.

The senior official of other Fiji - New Zealand organisation said the lifting of the PER was done under the leadership of Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

He said the lifting of the PER would enhance the nationwide consultation of the constitution prepared by the People's Charter for Change.

“Lifting of the PER will further enhance in the nationwide consultation, commencing next month, of the proposed true democratic constitution as prepared by the People's Charter for Change in conjunction with the good people of Fiji for the general elections in 2014,” he said.

“The proposed constitution is based on liberty, equality, right to life, justice, in pursue of happiness, one person one vote irrespective of ethnicity and religious beliefs, and minimal government as those are the inalienable rights of all human beings.”.

Consider your stance, Rabuka tells Aust, NZ

Former Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka believes Australia and New Zealand governments should consider their stance against Fiji following the decision of Prime Minister to lift the Public Emergency Regulation.

Speaking to FijiLive, Rabuka said lifting of the PER is Fiji’s own initiative so Australia and New Zealand should also consider something similar.

Referring to the tough sanctions imposed by Australia and New Zealand he said each government has its own objectivity.

“Its time now for them to consider their oppositions. Both Australia and New Zealand should also show initiative” Rabuka said.

He said the move by Commodore Bainimarama to lift the Public Emergency Regulation is a positive step towards moving forward as the country prepares for 2014 general elections.

Rabuka said the plan by Commodore Bainimarama to lift the PER is one that can be supported.

He said things in Fiji have changed and a lot of critical issues were getting better so it was the right time for the PER to be lifted.

“At the moment they are the government and whatever they propose we have to work with it,” he said.

And with the consultation works for Fiji’s new constitution to begin soon Rabuka said “it is high time now for everyone to work together for the good of Fiji,” he said

Rabuka said the pillars of the People's Charter for Change Peace and Progress is good for Fiji.

Responding to questions made by FijiLive on what characteristics should shape Fiji’s new constitution a hesitant Rabuka said it should be in accordance with the pillars of the Charter.

And with the Charter being criticised by many he said the pillars of the Charter will only be effective when people will work for the good of Fiji.

Rabuka said most of the new laws in Fiji have been born out of necessity.

“We cannot say or do anything but accept what comes out and move forward for the general elections in 2014,” he said.

Meanwhile, the lifting the Public Emergency Regulation (PER) this Saturday must be understood as a concept allowing Fijians their fundamental freedom of expression says Citizens Constitutional Forum chief executive Reverend Akuila Yabaki.

Reverend Yabaki said they have been calling for the PER to be lifted since April 2009 and welcomes the announcement by Commodore Bainimarama.

“The lifting of the PER is a good sign by government as it represents a credible step in the right direction. But it is the first, belated as it is, and we may need to focus on this as an opportunity for the many more steps,” he said.

More Fiji United Nation Troops to Iraq?

UN, Pacific Islands Forum welcomes move to end state of emergency in Fiji


This may be the green light for more Fiji UN Troops to Iraq as US Troops pulled out late last year. No other Country except Fiji is prepared to help in, as Iraq ponders on to rebuild a Nation of numerous Oil and Gas wealth, yet to be extracted.


United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the announcement by Fiji that it will lift the state of emergency imposed in 2009, calling it a “positive step” towards restoring constitutional order in the South Pacific archipelago.

Fijian authorities indicated that the public emergency regulation would be lifted by the coming weekend, according to media reports earlier this week.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ban welcomed the step and stressed “that it is essential that Fiji’s authorities and all Fijian stakeholders engage in a constructive process of dialogue towards an inclusive election at the earliest.”

Fiji’s Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama took power in a coup d’état in 2006. Last year, during an address to the General Assembly’s annual General Debate, he outlined details of a political road map – which includes the drafting of a new constitution – leading to national elections by September 2014.

Meanwhile, the Forum Secretary-General, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, has welcomed the announcement by Commodore Bainimarama that the Public Emergency Regulation (PER) will be lifted on 7 January 2012.

He said this is an important development and a step in the right direction, noting also the announced proposal for nationwide consultations on a new constitution for Fiji.

Secretary General Slade expressed hope for the earliest restoration of normality and legitimacy as a result of the lifting of the PER; and also for the broadest measure of inclusive national consultations as vital ingredients for free and fair elections.

He said that as Forum Leaders had done in their September 2011 meeting Communiqué, Leaders had consistently called for the “commencement of genuine, inclusive political dialogue in Fiji between parties without preconditions or predetermined outcomes”. In doing so, Forum Leaders also “reaffirmed the underlying values of the Forum, namely respect for democracy, good governance and the rule of law”.

The Secretary General also recalled the clear commitment “of all Forum members to encourage and support Fiji’s early return to parliamentary democracy, including their standing offer of practical assistance in addressing the challenges faced by Fiji”.

Public Order Amendment Decree 2012 now in place

Under the Public Order Amendment Decree 2012 any person who commits an act of terrorism shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to imprisonment for life.

Any person who harbours or conceals, prevents, hinders or interferes with the apprehension of any other person knowing or having reason to believe that the other person has committed, is planning or likely to commit an act of terrorism, or is a member of the group involved in the act of terrorism commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to imprisonment for life.

Any person who knowingly provides or offers to provide a weapon to a person, group or organisation involved in the act of terrorism, a member of any such group or organisation involved in the act of terrorism , any other person for use by or for benefit of a group or organisation involved in the act of terrorism or a member of any such group or organisation commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to imprisonment for life.

Any person who knowingly participates in a group involved in the act of terrorism knowing that it is a terrorist group commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to life imprisonment.

If any police officer has reasonable suspicion that a person has acted or is about to act in a manner prejudicial to public safety or the preservation of the peace or is about to commit an offence against public order or an offence against this Act or upon being by a police officer, fails to satisfy the police officer as to his or her identity, address or place of employment or as to the purpose for which he or she is in the place in which he or she is found, then such police officer may arrest without warrant him or her and detain him or her pending inquiries.

No person shall be detained under the powers conferred by subsection (1) for a period exceeding 48 hours except with the authority of the Minister on whose directions such a person may be detained for a further period of 14 days if the Minister is satisfied that the necessary enquiries cannot be completed within 48 hours.

In Section 17 C (1) of the Decree, it shall be lawful for any member of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces when so directed by his or her commanding officer at the request of or with the concurrence of the Commissioner of Prisons and Corrections Service or the Commissioner of Police as the case maybe to perform all or any of the duties and functions of a prisons officer or police officer.

In and to the extend necessary for the performance by him or her of any of the duties or functions of a prisons officer under the provisions of this section any member of the RFMF shall have all the powers, privileges of a prisons officer and police officer.

Govt - Things to Look Forward to in 2012! - What about you?

Jan 01|18:06 pm

2012 New Years Message

Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama

My fellow Fijians, it is with much pleasure that I extend to all of you my warmest wishes as we begin this New Year. I also extend best wishes to all of our friends in the region and to all of you who are visiting our beautiful island nation.

I look forward with anticipation to this coming year as a time of further progress.

My fellow Fijians we have been in the process of establishing a nation that truly empowers all Fijians. My government has been and will continue to provide tools to improve our daily lives and fulfil your ambitions. It is also important that we have the tools to compete with our peers in the international community.

Modernization, the removal of institutionalized discrimination, addressing corruption and the ability to think outside traditional prejudices could not have taken place without your assistance and collaboration. The success of these policies is a testimony of your commitment to a modern, just and liberal Fiji.

All of us must continue to come together in this New Year to help our nation realize its great potential. We must all work in concert to improve the lives of all Fijians, at every level – the poor, the marginalized, the land owners, the farmers, the businessmen and women, the small traders, potential investors, employees, rural dwellers, city dwellers, those in the islands, women, the homeless, the disabled and our youth.

As I announced in my budget address, with the tax reforms, Fijians will have 53.1 million dollars more in their hands from 2012. You must use this additional money wisely. Think about the future. Think long term.

Indeed the entire tax structure is also being reformed to stimulate foreign investment, small business growth, to create more jobs and look after those on the margins of our society.

We will dedicate more funding to further improve our educational and social programs. We will commit more funds to provide better health care facilities while creating awareness of the merits of healthy living.

You will also see improved access in telecommunications, with more people being connected to mobile phones, internet and at affordable pricing.

Our focus on infrastructure development will continue. Roads, bridges, airports, street lighting, access to water and electricity will continue to be built and improved.

The private sector including small businesses will continue to get access to improved tools and a conducive environment to help grow our economy further.

My fellow Fijians I am painfully aware that for decades, Fiji was mismanaged and hindered by greed and selfishness. Fiji has changed. We must however be vigilant. Corruption and prejudice must not be permitted in our modern nation. You and I must not allow a few to dictate the destiny of our country for their own selfish needs.

Therefore, when the consultations for the new constitution commences in 2012 your must think responsibly. You must think of and for the future.

There are certain features of the new constitution that will be non-negotiable. The constitution must establish a government that is founded on an electoral system that guarantees equal suffrage – a truly democratic system based on the principle of one person, one vote, one value; We will not have a system that will classify Fijians based on ethnicity; and, Our young men and women, those 18 years old must have the right to vote.

I will in the next few weeks announce the nationwide consultation process which will commence in February 2012.

To facilitate this consultation process, the Public Emergency Regulations will cease from 7 January 2012.

We must all remember that public order, protecting the vulnerable and safeguarding the economy will always be paramount. We must also as a nation be intolerant of those that seek refuge and political power in religious, ethnic and communal divisions.

My fellow Fijians, we can only achieve success if all of us take part in the modernising of Fiji and if we think nationally.

All Fijians are and must be one. 2012 is going to be a time of further empowerment. 2012 is going to be a time for greater accomplishment for our nation and our people.

I wish all of you - citizens, friends and visitors - a happy and successful New Year.

Fiji PER to Cease - Thank You Mr. Prime Minister!

Fiji’s Public Emergency Regulations To Cease On 7th January 2012

Jan 01|17:59 pm

Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama today announced that the Public Emergency Regulations will cease by January 7th, 2012.

In his New Year’s Message, the Prime Minister said that he would ‘in the next few weeks’ announce a nationwide consultation process for a new constitution for the country.

“The constitution must establish a government that is founded on an electoral system that guarantees equal suffrage – a truly democratic system based on the principle of one person, one vote, one value; We will not have a system that will classify Fijians based on ethnicity; and, Our young men and women, those 18 years old must have the right to vote”, Prime Minister Bainimarama said.

He said that in order to facilitate this process, the Public Emergency Regulations commonly known as the PER would cease by the 7th of January, this year.

“We must all remember that public order, protecting the vulnerable and safeguarding the economy will always be paramount. We must also as a nation, be intolerant of those that seek refuge and political power in religious, ethnic and communal divisions”, the Prime Minister said.

Japan Govt welcomes lifting of PER

The Japanese Government has welcomed the decision made by Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama to lift the Public Emergency Regulation this Saturday.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan it said that with the PER coming to an end this weekend and the consultation of the new constitution starting next month, the international community should value these measures as a positive step forward.

Japan sincerely hopes that Fiji will continue to take concrete action towards free and fair election in 2014 and it intends to maintain close dialogue with the Fijian authorities as it is ready to provide necessary support.

Australia urges Fiji to restore democracy

Australia on Tuesday said Fiji's announcement that it would lift emergency laws was a “first step” but urged the Pacific state to restore democracy as soon as possible.

Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama said Monday that the regulations, including tight censorship of the news media and a ban on public meetings, would be removed and talks begin on a new constitution.

“What we are seeing from Commodore Bainimarama is the announcement of a first step,” Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said.

“But from the point of view of the Australian government all steps need to be taken to restore democracy to Fiji.”

“That has been our consistent call.”

In his New Year message, Bainimarama said the emergency laws -- which were imposed in 2009 after a Fiji court ruled his 2006 coup was illegal -- would be lifted on Saturday to pave the way for consultation on a new constitution.

“I will, over the next few weeks, announce the nationwide consultation process which will commence in February 2012,” Bainimarama said.

Australia and New Zealand have called stridently for a return to democracy in the nation, a significant economic and travel hub in the South Pacific, and Gillard warned that Bainimarama had failed in the past to deliver on pledges.

Initial promises for an early return to democracy failed to result in elections, leaving Fiji facing sanctions from many countries and suspension from the Commonwealth. Bainimarama has promised elections in 2014.

“Getting rid of these emergency regulations is a first step, having a consultation period is a first step too. But these steps need to be followed up by further action,” Gillard told reporters in Sydney.

“As soon as possible democracy should be restored in Fiji.”

Meanwhile, the announcement that the emergency regulations will be lifted on January 7 has been welcomed by New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully who says the Government has been calling for the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations as an important step towards the holding of free and fair elections.

“We'll have to wait and see if the Commodore can be taken at his word but it's a step in the right direction,” says McCully, adding that he also welcomes the announcement that public consultations will commence on a new constitution in February.

While a range of steps will be required before free and fair elections can be held, these are important moves in the right direction, he said.

“The international community will want to see these changes improve the lives and freedoms of ordinary Fijians."

The latest developments in Suva were also welcomed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, which said the announcements would clear the way for free and fair elections.

“The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, called this a positive step, which was long overdue,” a secretariat spokesperson said Monday.

Sharma hoped that the consultations on a new constitution would be fully inclusive, “clearing the way for credible elections and the return of a democratically elected government without further delay”, the statement added.

Bainimarama said that even though the emergency regulations were being lifted, “public order, protecting the vulnerable and safeguarding the economy will always be paramount”.

He said that the new constitution must establish a democratic, elected government.

US, UK welcomes Fiji’s move to lift Public Emergency Regulations

The United States of America has welcomed the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations.

A spokesman for the US Embassy said, “In concert with our regional partners, we have consistently called for the lifting of the PER as a critical step towards the holding of free, fair and fully transparent elections”.

“The United States also welcomes the government's announcement of a February start to public consultations on a new Constitution.

“We look forward to an open and inclusive consultative dialogue leading to the creation of constitutional processes guaranteeing the rights and institutional framework required for truly democratic elections,” said the spokesman in a statement

Meanwhile, the Government of the United Kingdom welcomes the announcement made by Commodore Bainimarama to lift the Public Emergency Regulations (PERs) on 7 January 2012. 

Acting British High Commissioner, Martin Fidler said, “The United Kingdom, together with other members of the international community, has been calling for the lifting of the Regulations as an important step towards the holding of free and fair elections. 

We look forward to a public consultation process on a new Constitution which will commence in February 2012. It is important that this process,” he said in a statement.